Big Stitch Swap 2 :: Finished Pouch

I am very excited to show you my finished pouch for the Big Stitch Swap 2!  

In this project, I hand stitched hexagons using mini charm packs of V and Co prints in purple, green, aqua and navy with hexagon templates from Love Patchwork & Quilting.  I tend to be an "anything goes" scrappy quilter, but for this project I wanted to try a restricted colorway for the first time.  My hexagon stitching improved with time, so you can nearly tell which parts of the bag were made early in the process and which hexies were added on at the end!   

I appliquéd the hexagons onto Essex Linen with navy 50 weight Aurifil.  I have to say I had doubts about having such obvious stitching on this pouch.  I like it more now that it's in pouch shape, but while the sides were flat panels I was sure the quilting was a mistake.

Inside there's a Denyse Schmidt print that I love, but have no idea what it's called?  I picked it up in the US a few years ago and am delighted I still have some to play with.

Of course, the pouch came together using Noodlehead's Open Wide zippered pouch tutorial.  I was aiming for a medium pouch, but it is slightly smaller due to the heavy stitching on the panels.  Still, I think it's a great size for saving your special things when travelling.

The pouch was packed up with a few goodies: 2.5 inch scrappy squares from Simply Colorful, and Simply Style, a needle book and shimmering washi tape.  I think that makes for a happy parcel.  I can not wait for it to arrive at your house, swap buddy!

This is my first finish for the second quarter of the FAL.  Checking number 2 off of my Dreaming Big list.

Big Stitch Swap Extra :: A Needle Book

Although I have not finished the Open Wide pouch I am making for my swap partner, my brain kept wandering to design the swap extra.  It was getting a bit ridiculous so I decided to sit down, make the extra, and then return to the zippy pouch when my brain was satisfied.  Whew.  So glad I did.

Approximately 1 million years ago (or 2011 to be precise), I made a needle book that I use to this day.  It travels everywhere with me and sits next to me on the couch when I hand sew.  Seeing as this is a swap where hand sewing needs to be a main design element in the finished swap item, it seemed appropriate to have a needle book extra.  

Needle Book Front

I was only too happy to dive into my bag of selvages that are too small to use in my selvage blocks.  There are some real gems in there!  I used a piece of Kona Snow (?) as the foundation, then strip pieced the selvages on at a jaunty angle.  Can you see there's even a mini (really mini) piece of Ruby in the upper corner of the back?  I have been saving that little nub. 

Needle Book Back

Inside there are little sewing machines on the front and back cover.  Now that may be a bit controversial given it's a hand sewing swap, but it's one of my favorite prints and I wanted to share it with my partner.

The "pages" are a bright yellow felt with pinked edges.  Yellow makes me happy and I like when it pops up and surprises me.  I hope my partner feels the same.

I really enjoyed making this for you, partner.  I hope you use it as much as I do mine!  

Big Stitch Swap Round 2 - Sign Ups Are Open!

I am incredibly excited to announce that the wonderful Sarah and I are hosting a second round of  The Big Stitch Swap.  We are hoping each and every one of you joins in the fun!  The theme of the swap is to include hand stitching of some variety as a significant contribution to the swapped item.  It can be embroidery, hand quilting, appliqué, cross stitch...what ever you like.

What to make, what to make?  Well, our suggestions would be something along the scale of a doll quilt, tablet cover, messenger bag, zippy pouch, notebook cover, cushion/pillow cover or a tote bag.  You get the idea, something that allows enough space to incorporate a stitched motif, or hand quilting design. But not too big.  The only guideline is that your hand stitching has to be a significant portion and focal point of the item's design.  

The mini I made last round for Leanne - cross stitching and all.

Want to join in?  The swap is open to 50 people including myself and Cindy. It will be hosted on Instagram, so you will need to have a public account there - sadly, we cannot accept quilters with private profiles as we will not be able to see your progress pics etc. If you want to join, hop over and fill out the entry form here.  We will then secretly assign partners.  Know that your partner is not necessarily making an item for you. While you are waiting for your partner assignment,  start thinking about an inspiration mosaic, which you will need to post on Instagram.

The STUNNER of a pouch that I received from the amazing Ali in the first round.

The swap timeline is as follows:

- Signups open today (24nd Febrary) and will close on 1st March or when we reach 50 participants.

- Partner assignments will be distributed by 9th March
- If you haven't already done your inspiration mosaic, you will need to have it posted by 11th March
- Posting dates are from 24th - 28th April, giving you 6 weeks to stalk your partner, make something lovely and parcel it up ready to send off.
- Swap extras are limited to cards/postcards and a small selection of scraps and/or notions (eg. buttons, zippers, beads etc) 

A hoop might work for your partner.

As usual, we ask that everyone actively participate on Instagram by posting inspiration mosaic, commenting on photos and posting WIP pics etc.   If you have any questions before you sign up, please do ask!  Better to ask before you sign up than after...it only makes our lives more difficult to find a substitute if you drop out.We are asking people to indicate what level of sewing skills they have so that we can match people as best as possible to someone of a similar level.

Very few things make me happier....

As always, can we ask you to please only sign up if you can commit to the swap deadlines. There is nothing more disappointing in a swap than your partner going awol and not receiving anything after you putting your heart and soul into making your item for someone else.

We do hope you join us!  This will be so very fun!

Coming Soon: Big Stitch Swap Round 2

That's right!  Keep your eyes open.  A second round of the Big Stitch Swap will be starting before the end of the month.  Organized by the wonderful Sarah and I, there will be spaces available for another 48 people to join in.  The idea is that each participant will make something small (think mini quilt, zippy pouch, iPad cover) that involves hand stitching as a significant contribution to the swapped item.  It can be embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch...what ever floats your boat!  Get your thinking caps on and we'll be back shortly with details on dates and a registration form.  Woo hoo!

Modern Quilters of Ireland Christmas Swap

I should have told you about this finish a month ago, but just never got around to blogging about it.  Back in October I signed up for the Modern Quilters of Ireland Christmas swap.  We were each to make a 18 x 18 inch cushion cover and one tree decoration.  I hummed and hawed for quite some time, looking for inspiration.  I knew my partner, which helps a HUGE amount.  We also received a little description of our partner's likes and dislikes, too: "Love fresh modern designs, cute whimsical ideas and colours, playful characters for a house of young people".  I waited for inspiration to strike.  

Finally I found a tutorial on Fandom in Stitches with a free pattern to paper piece Rudolph!  Oh, the happiness!  After a bit of fabric shopping with my parents over Thanksgiving (I'll tell you about that later)  I started creating my child hood friend in fabric.

The pattern is easy to follow - just sew on the line.  However, it's the most involved, intricate pattern that I've ever tried.  I will say it came together without a hitch, thank goodness.  As the block finished at 10 inches, I added on two Kona white borders to lighten the cushion up a bit, followed by a red peppermint print to bring out his nose.  It's quilted in concentric squares - nothing earth shattering, but I thought the focus should really be on Rudolph himself, not my quilting.  

The back was made from a cute Riley Blake print of Rudolph and his lady friend.  It was perfect.

I feel like I should explain the setting of my photoshoot - I carried this cushion around for 2 days hoping to get a bit of sun to snap a photo or two.  It was dark before work, dark after work and rained during the day.  I had to bring it to work and photograph it on office furniture in the building's atrium.  You would not believe the weird looks passing in my direction.

And finally I used this tutorial to create my ornament. I really really really enjoyed the process of making this ornament and see myself making more in the future.  They'd be a great project for when travelling.

To see what others in the group created, check out this post.  Thank you, Fiona (my swap mama) for organizing - I enjoyed this swap so very much!  Thank you, too, to Louise.  I received the most beautiful scrappy wonky star cushion from her.  We all know I love scrappy stars!  It's a total hit, Louise.  

Irish Christmas Cushion Swap

Christmas is quickly approaching!  That's right - it's time we start talking about it, pulling our heads out of the sand/snow drift.  To kick off the season here at FSQ head quarters, I have signed up for the Modern Irish Christmas cushion swap.  As per all of our swaps, an inspirational mosaic was created....  

I don't know why Big Huge Labs has stopped giving me HTML to link to all of these photos, giving credit to the creators.  Has anyone cracked that code, yet?  

Irish folks, signups close on Friday so get your name in the hat today if you want to play along!

Charm swapping!!! Let the fun begin.

Do you love charm squares?  Scrappy pretty piles of charm squares?  I use them all the time for bee blocks or the quick baby quilt finish, so I like having a colorful selection at the ready.  Several of you have used up your charms from our last swap (me too!) and have asked for another to be organized, so here is your chance to jump in and join in the fun.  It is going to be a small bit different this time, so please read this post fully before signing up.

I am looking for 28 people to join in the fun, but would entertain 56 participants if we are so lucky.  There will be one week of signups starting today and closing on 12 October at midnight.  To sign up, leave a comment below.  If you are (or may possibly be) a no-reply commenter, include your email address in your comment.  Myself, or my fellow Charm Fairy Irina, will be in touch with you after signups close to assign you a color.  That email should arrive by 17 Oct.

When you get your color assignment email, you are to run off and look for TWO prints (1 yard each) that are predominately your assigned color, but in two very different shades of that color.  One dark and the other light.  We are looking for modern prints and not solids.  Be sure that the print you are choosing is of a reasonable scale to be cut into charms.  Fabrics must be 100% cotton of high quality - no cheap-o prints that will bleed everywhere, please.

When you choose your fabric, please upload a photo to the flickr group.  To ensure no duplicates, be sure to check what others have uploaded before you buy your fabric.

Being a Fluffy Sheep Quilting sponsored swap, a 10% discount is offered on any fabrics purchased from the shop.  I will send out a discount code in the email with your color assignment.  If you buy from FSQ, I will also cut the charms for you AND you will not have to pay shipping.  Oh, the happiness!

Cut and ship your fabrics so that they arrive in Galway by 22 November.  If you have not cut charms before, use this tutorial as a guide. A new rotary blade and pressing ahead of time helps a whole bunch.  Include in your parcel a pre-addressed return envelope.  No return envelope, no returned charms.    

You will receive in your returned parcel 112 charms, 56 prints in duplicate.  When shipping comes around, I will ask you to send (via paypal) to me the cost of your shipping so that I do not loose out on paypal fees.  I will not be invoicing you, but requesting you send the payment directly to me by email.

Let's get swapping, friends!

Big Stitch Swap Mini Quilt

Several months ago the Big Stitch Swap, co hosted by myself and Sarah, kicked off with a lovely group of happy stitchers.  The idea was to create something small (think table cover, zippy purse, journal cover) for your partner where hand stitching was a predominant design element.  It was perfect for summer time when everyone was on the go!  

I decided to make a mini quilt for my partner (and friend) Leanne using my recent favorite fabrics by Denyse Schmidt and a pattern from Cut.Press.Sew.Quilt that I have been wanting to try.  It has two perfect opportunities in the body and arm of the machine to personalize the quilt.

Luckily Leanne's blog header and logo are easily converted into cross stitching grids.  I went to my favorite cross stitch designer for help and then ran to the nearest shop for floss.  

I brought these with me to the beach, to music festivals...even to Fat Quarterly!  It was really nice to share my travels with you, Leanne.

The back and binding are coordinating DS prints.  That plaid could be one of my favorite prints of all time!  I'm using it everywhere lately.

And finally, on the back I added two little folds of fabric so that Leanne could easily hang it on her wall with a bamboo post or even a bit of clothes hanger wire.  She has such an amazing wall of minis that are done in her unique modern industrial style, so I hope this doesn't look too out of place.  I had a wonderful time making it, Leanne.  I hope it brightens your sewing room!

Big Stitch Swap Signups Are Open

That's right!  In invite you to join into a swap that myself and my friend Sarah are organizing.  The Big Stitch Swap.  Sarah had the super idea of doing a swap where hand stitching of some variety is a significant contribution to the swapped item.  It can be embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch...what ever floats your boat!

What to make, what to make?  Well, our suggestions would be something along the scale of a iPad cover, a zippy pouch, a fancy notebook cover or a tote bag.  I am in the mood to make a mini quilt.  You get the idea.  The only guideline is that your hand stitching has to be a significant portion of the item's design.  

Want to join in?  The swap is open to 40 people.  The only catch is you need to have participated in two other swaps before joining into this one.  If you have, just click here and complete our entry form.  We will then secretly assign partners.  Know that your partner is not necessarily making an item for you.  While you are waiting for your partner assignment, join into our Flickr group and start thinking about an inspirational mosaic like the one I have below.  I used Big Huge Labs for mine, but you can use what ever works for you.

1. Link 2. Link 3. Link 4. Link 5. Link 6. Link 7. Link 8. Link 9. Link 10. Link
11. Link 12. Link 13. Link 14. Link 15. Link 16. Link

The swap timeline is as follows:

- Signups open today (19 June) and will close on 27 June or when we reach 40 participants.

- Partner assignments will be distributed on 4 July (before my celebratory BBQ!)

- Posting dates are from 4-8 August depending on your postal system and where your partner lives.  

As usual, we ask that everyone actively participate in Flickr conversation threads, drop hints on photo comments for your partner, etc.   If you have any questions before you sign up, please do ask!  Better to ask before you sign up than after...it only makes my life more difficult to find a substitute if you drop out.

I do hope you join us!  This will be so very fun!

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Shop keeping....

Just a few small bits and bobs to tell you about...mostly fabric happiness from the shop.

First, we have a winner for the Minimalista giveaway.  The creative Rebecca (seriously...check out her blog!) will find this pretty bundle in her post box.

She was lucky number 90 of 179 entrants:

To pick up a bit of Minimalista for yourself, just hop over here.

Second, and still on the Minimalista theme, I cut and packaged up my LV charms for Rachael's LV charm swap at the Floral Suitcase.  I used Confetti Watermellon as my fabric of choice.  Love the cute little bunting-like print here!  Hope you gals like them, too!

And finally, a Sunnyside shop update.  There are now two new Sunnyside prints available in the shop.  They were ordered, didn't arrive, were cancelled, then made a surprise appearance.  It's hard to keep up sometimes.  There will be a celebration of their arrival over on Instagram starting tomorrow (Tuesday), so be sure you're following me @fluffysheepquilting.  Don't miss out!

...And In Return

I always forget that after I send off swap goodies that happy mail is quickly to follow.  Both of my recent swap partners had me 100% pegged with the pretty things they made for me.  Want to see?

In the Irish Pin Cushion I was unknowingly matched up with Fiona of Besty Grey Crafts. Fiona makes the most beautiful things and you get to see lots of it in real time following her on IG (@betsygreycrafts).  We have not yet met in real life, but I am hoping our paths cross this weekend at the Knitting and Stitching Show.  Fiona sent over the most gorgeous cathedral windows pin cushion with the little tiniest yo-yos at each point. 

How on earth did she press these windows and still keep each of her fingertips?  I'll never know.  I adore the fabrics she choose. I love, too, that with the thickness of the windows it gives great resistance when poking it with a pin. It's beautiful, Fiona.  Thank you.

In the Stamp It Up swap, the super Nathalie made a massive zipper pouch for me.  Its a size I don't have and it's 100% perfect for travelling as it fits all kinds of goodies.  She carved an amazing flower and stamped it once on the front and once on the back, then framed the stamp with log-cabin type piecing.  The blues she choose are so beautifully rich.  

Inside it is lined with white and pink fabric, that's further stamped with little FSQ sheep, making this pouch so super and personal. I love that there are little black FSQ sheep, too!  That's so cool.  Nathalie, thank you.  It's amazing.

Swaps are such a wonderful way of getting to know new folks or pushing ourselves a bit further.  A great big thumbs up to both of my partners as well as to the organizing mamas, Nicky, Helen and Sarah.  Thank you all for making these swaps so much  fun.

Stamp It Up Zippy Pouch

Life has been filled with travel, family, health issues/healing, etc lately and blogging has fallen behind.  You know the story.  But I have missed you all so very much that I'd really like to re-join our happy community as best I can.  I love the giggles and inspiration we all share so I am only thrilled to bring that back into this cold, wet, dark part of Ireland.  

Let's start with an oldie, but a goodie shall we?  Back in Sept the lovely Nicky ran a super swap called Stamp It Up!  We were each to carve eraser stamps and make some small creation for our swap partner based on their inspirational mosaic.  So I gathered together my erasers, brand new ink pads and got down to business.  

I then embroidered little eyes and legs on my new friends.  I loved doing that.  At the end I felt like I knew each of the little ladies personally.

My partner, now revealed as Anneliese, had wanted a coffee cozy to keep her fingers from getting burned when holding a takeaway coffee.  I read through a few tutorials and choose one to try.  Although the tutorial was relatively straight forward and logical, the measurements listed were COMPLETELY incorrect, so my miserable cozy ended up looking like this.

See how the top and bottom (Summersville) border is cut off and one birdie is missing her feet? Awful.  So I unpicked everything and made a few new birds to create a zippy pouch using Kat's go-to pattern that is 100% wonderful from start to finish.

I used Essex linen on the top and back, then Kate Spain's Good Fortune on the bottom and as the lining.  I liked that I was sending a bit of Good Fortune to Anneliese and her home.

My little stamped pouch has now safely arrived at its new home and is already in use.  I hope you like it, Anneliese!  I really enjoyed making it for you.